CHAPTER 2016: CHAPTER 2018: FATHER AND SON IN CONFLICT

Imperial Censor Zhang was satisfied and said, "Of course not."

"You don’t have a fourth concubine, true, but you do have a chambermaid in the manor," Heir Qing flicked his sleeve, "Do you think I don’t know? You even told her that if she bore you a son, you’d promote her to be the fourth concubine. Isn’t that right? Although you don’t have an extra concubine, you’re doing all the things one would do with a concubine without missing a beat."

Imperial Censor Zhang was at a loss for words because everything Heir Qing said was true. But how did he know?

"You old fool, you shameless scoundrel, are you investigating me?" Imperial Censor Zhang was furious.

The other censors were also enraged; nobody likes being investigated out of the blue.

Moreover, if Heir Qing could investigate Imperial Censor Zhang, he could investigate them. As censors, their reputation was of utmost importance; without a solid reputation, how could they censure others?

"Ha, as if I need to investigate your petty matters. Ask anyone in the Capital City, and they would know," Heir Qing sneered, "When you took that mother and daughter away, many refugees witnessed it, and through word of mouth, now everyone knows."

Imperial Censor Zhang was somewhat embarrassed by Heir Qing’s words, but even the chance to be embarrassed was denied by Baili Yan.

"Men, strip Imperial Censor Zhang of his official cap, remove his court robes, and for the next twenty years, none of his direct relatives may hold office."

Seeing the people entering from outside the Golden Throne Hall, Imperial Censor Zhang’s face turned pale, and he shouted, "Though Prince Zhuang is a prince, he doesn’t have the authority to overstep. I have served diligently for thirty years, and not even the Emperor has dismissed me. Frankly speaking, what right does Prince Zhuang have to do this?"

"Nonsense!" Lord Prime Minister jumped in, "Imperial Censor Zhang, mind your words. Other than Prince Zhuang, who else in Great Zhou is fit to be the heir? Clearly, no one. Prince Zhuang is destined to be the master of Great Zhou, so of course, he has the right to appoint and dismiss officials. As for the Emperor you mentioned, he is already the Grand Emperor. Perhaps the matter from last time in the hall has slipped your mind. You’re getting old and forgetting such important matters; I suggest you return home to enjoy your grandchildren."

"Lord Prime Minister, you’re wrong. It’s not about enjoying grandchildren, but rather spending nights with concubines," Heir Qing chuckled on the side, relieved that Prince Zhuang arrived just in time.

Baili Yan’s eyes swept over the ministers, "You’ve all grown bold, haven’t you? Quarreling in the Golden Throne Hall as if it’s your own backyard? The Ministry of Rites must find a suitable day within today to invite the Master from the Imperial Temple to the Capital City. Any delay, and all personnel of the Ministry of Rites will have to fend for themselves."

"Third! Do you still regard me as your Father Emperor?"

The Grand Emperor, who had been eavesdropping, couldn’t hold back upon seeing Prince Zhuang step forward.

Initially, he was pleased hearing the people from the Ministry of Rites and the censors speaking on his behalf, but upon hearing Prince Zhuang’s remarks, he couldn’t contain his anger.

"Father Emperor, why did you come?" Pretending not to hear what he said, Prince Zhuang stepped forward and said, "At this hour, you could rest a little longer. As for state affairs, let me handle them. You should enjoy yourself in the palace, tending to flowers and birds. If you feel lonely, I’ll send your grandson to the palace to accompany you."

The Grand Emperor wasn’t foolish; he understood the implication that this Third was suggesting he was old and hinting that he should meddle less in state affairs.